Park Ridge Police Investigate Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

On Friday, February 21, 2014 at approximately 4:50 p.m. Park Ridge Police officers responded to a 911 call for a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle in the parking lot at 425 W. Devon Avenue. Upon arrival, units observed the victim lying on the ground, in the lot, near the front entrance to the establishment. The victim had a visible head wound. The Park Ridge Fire Department responded and transported the victim to Resurrection Hospital. Responding officers were also able to speak with the driver of the vehicle which struck the victim and began a preliminary investigation. The department’s Major Crash Unit (MCU) investigative team was activated to collect information, evidence and to review the crash.

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 at approximately 3:39 p.m., the department was notified by representatives of the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office that the victim, identified as George J. Gessner, M/W, 85 years of age from Chicago, IL, had died. According to the representative, Mr. Gessner died as a result of the injuries he sustained after being struck by the vehicle on February 21, 2014 at 425 W. Devon Avenue. The Park Ridge Police Department’s MCU continues to review the incident.